That night, I finally got to rock and use my other guitar, the Ibanez. I got to shred and sing my soul out with my band, The Super Poet Genome Project. I brought my wakizashi with me to be used as props for my poetry performance. The Fire n Ice Dance group was just great, rendering two dance numbers. One filled me up with nostalgia for they performed dances from the 80’s to 90’s, a patikim for their up-coming dance concert on February 15-16. Icing to our metaphorical cake was our guest slam poet from Canada, Mr. Ronel Amata.

The readers for the night were Noel Cervantez, Ronel Astor, Jusan Misolas, Jerome Hipolito, Kevin de Quiroz, Tristan Velarde, Johner Caneba, Tess Francisco, Ronel Amata, and of course, this blogger. Writers Jay Salvosa and Rizaldy Manrique were also in attendance.

As always, we welcomed Ronel Amata via our traditional “jijutzu” finger-lifting levitation trick. After which, we ushered ourselves to a literary discussion over rounds of beer. We asked ourselves: “When did we start writing?” We figured that we have been writing as early as early, we just did not know it. Living is writing as proven by the love-angles and melodramatics by some of the sharers. But then this overflow of ideas was cut short, unfortunately, when it was my turn to share. Two motorcycles collided in front of Avenue Square, complete with flying bodies in classic quasi-delict frenzy. The gig started with a bang, and yet we  had to end by taking our cue from a motorcycle crash in this motorcycle country.  We had to proceed to Gotobest plaza just to appease our hunger and clear our throats of shock with goto-kinalas-tokwa with egg plus sili, and cold water.

Till next month my friends, till next month.

It has been prophesized that 2012 will start a New World Order. Could the conflict between the branches of government, particularly between the Executive and the Judiciary be nothing but the sign of its coming? Technology is advancing faster and faster. The way we see the world has changed. Must our system of governance advance along with it? As I always assert, the State is nothing but a mere political theory put into practice. Even the legal system is a political or literary theory. For instance, if we live under the auspices of anarchism, we would only have five laws and not tomes of substantial and remedial rules.

Good thing about technology is it more or less brings power to our hands. Social networking and blogging are the new media. People now are more informed. They can make better political decisions. We only need to make the kids, who are said to be techno-natives, a more useful lot in the cyberspace and not mere gamers and sex-video uploaders.

Literary practice has changed also. More and more writers use social networking and blogging to promote their art and the culture of reading. And many have started to become multi-media artists. Even poetry is now multi-media. Poetry is now cinema, is now music, is now performance, and not only a thing for pagination.

This year, aside from further studying Philippine laws and jurisprudence, I persisted in literary practice. I also chose to be a paralegal in an NGO that I think would better appraise me as to how to practice law more effectively in a third-world setting. Alternative lawyering is the key. Lawyers are also citizens and educators. They must not be confined to the law office and the court sala. Lawyers must also use other means to reach the people and educate them about the law. They must use technology, lobbying, social involvement, arts and culture even.

In the literary arts scene here in Bicol, I lament that seemingly, the Kabulig-Bikol has died. There are no meetings and no projects. Our current NCCA representative is almost invisible and seems to be hated by many. Good thing that there are other active literary orgs around. ABKAT is a remarkable group. They invited me to sit as panelist for the Albay Writers Workshop 2011 held at Bicol University-Tabaco on May 20-22. And to my delight, I learned that there are so many young female writers there. Don’t get me wrong. I was not delighted for any other prurient reason. I was delighted because we have very few female writers here in Bicol (poetess Jo Bisuna died November this year). The ABKAT group only needs to take care of these young writers: Keep a directory of their names and addresses, continually invite them to workshops, poetry shows and lectures, publish them, etc. Not to be outdone, the young writers here in Camarines Sur are also active in joining other writers groups here and in attending poetry gigs.

As I said, writing became a regular activity for me once again. Being able to write in four languages helped me in avoiding writer’s fatigue. This time, my focus is English poetry. I have published enough in Bikol and Tagalog. It’s time to come back to where it all started: English poetry. It’s also time to come back to my old self—happy just to be able to come up with a poem. Not thinking of personalities who serve as nuisance to literary practice—writers who cannot think straight and who mess everything up because of their immaturity, eccentricity and petty politics. These writers give the literary arts sector a bad name and further alienate it from the people.

And so I sent poems to publications again. Let me list my printed poems for 2011:

1. Biyahe (Sunday Inquirer Magazine, January 23, 2011)

2. Firefly (Sunday Inquirer Magazine, June 5, 2011)

3. And Home is Not What I find Each Christmas (Philippine Panorama, December 25, 2011

4. Magsaysay Soiree (Sunday Times Magazine, June 26, 2011)

5. After the Magsaysay Soiree (Sunday Times Magazine, June 26, 2011)

6. Collision Lesson (Sunday Times Magazine, July 31, 2011)

7. The Night Before the Lunar Eclipse (Sunday Times Magazine, July 31, 2011)

8. The Wake Up Call (Philippines Free Press, April 23, 2011)

9. Sa Bookstore: Dasal ng Salesboy (Liwayway Magasin, May 30, 2011)

10. Barbershop Brainstorming (Under the Storm: An Anthology of Contemporary Philippine Poetry, September 2011)

11. Basang Papel Itong Tamong (Sagurong: 100 na Kontemporanyong Rawitdawit sa Manlain-lain na Tataramon Bikol, September 2011)

12. Opera (Sagurong: 100 na Kontemporanyong Rawitdawit sa Manlain-lain na Tataramon Bikol, September 2011)

13. Astral Travel (Paper Monster Press—Dream Pop Issue, August 2011)

There could be more and my radar may have missed them. Hence please inform this blogger if there are other poems not mentioned here, dear blog reader.

It has always been good custom for writers to send poems and stories to magazines and anthologies. But sadly, the year saw some of these outlets abandoning poetry or worse, closing its pages. First is the Sunday Inquirer Magazine. After I got printed, it’s no longer a weekly but a monthly magazine, and so far, there’s no poetry section. Second is the Philippine Panorama. Its poetry editor and columnist, Dr. Cirilo F. Bautista has ceased to be a part of the magazine. Good thing that is still publishes occasional poetry, albeit with bad lay-out. They sure could use a competent poetry editor. Third is Sunday Times Magazine. Their circulation is so very limited, they don’t even send copies here in Bicol on Sundays. Fourth is the Philippines Free Press. They don’t have print copies anymore. I was informed by their staff that their lawyers failed to spot that their incorporation needed renewal notwithstanding that said attorneys receive retainer’s fee. Hence it could be a clear case of negligence. But then, if a corporation continues to operate even after 50 years, incorporation is impliedly renewed. Good thing that the FP still prints poems in its website.

Surely, what we have here is lack of outlets. And lack of support. Most Filipinos don’t care about literary arts. Many would rather focus on politics and money-making. But then again, should we care? We write therefore we are, and they have to share this dying planet with us. When there are no other avenues for our art, we can blog, we can network.

This year, this blog was awarded Best Literature Blog during the 1st Bicol Bloggy Awards (but I have not received my citation yet, so someone from the organizers would please send it to me). Yes, blogging exists. Facebook is there only as jumping board for the bloggers, myself included. Nothing beats blogs and websites in content development. There is more focus. Social networking sites are fast-paced. People don’t really stop to read and absorb. That is why I maintained this blog. Hagbayon is a portal of mine. This is me.

Also this year, the UP Harong once again proved its devotion to local literary arts when it sponsored the 9th Sural Essay Writing Contest. It was held at Naga College Foundation on October 27. As one of the judges, I noted that young Bicolanos have a lot of things to say. We only need to fine tune their writing skills to be able to develop the writers in them. If we are to train more writers, we must start with the younglings.

As a said, poetry has become multi-media. Last year, I started making short poetic films. In March, I also organized Writer’s Gig at Wharf Galley, a monthly poetry show in Naga City featuring music, poetic short-films, poetry readings, theater and dance. We also have literary discussions over rounds of beer after the gig. The idea is to bring language art to public places just to introduce poetic discourse. So far, we have had seven gigs. And since our beloved Wharf Galley is closing, reluctantly, we have to look for a new venue. I am sure there are others out there willing to house a poetry show at least once a month. One feature of our gig is my band The Super Poet Genome Project. Video clips of our performances could be accessed via my YouTube Channel.

Memorable literary events in 2011 were the Su’pay at Aquinas University and the Bikol Poetry Galore both in February. I also attended the .MOV Festival for the “Under the Storm” launch.

At this juncture, I should like to comment that musicians here in Bicol should have fought tooth and nail just to help Wharf Galley survive. After-all, the bar caters to the local rock scene. I think some rockers here need to deepen their advocacy for their art. Not that I am impressed by most of them. They act like rockstars but many of them suck big time. The least they could do is to place their heart in the right place.

Bikol literary criticism and language studies are getting within the folds of Bicol academe. Teachers of literature and language are now networking with practicing writers. I was invited as paper presenter for the 1st Bicol Regional Conference on Language and Literature: Engaging New Frontiers in Research and Pedagogy, held at Ateneo de Naga University on April 30, 2011. Dr. Priscelina Legasto and Dr. Doods Santos were the main speakers. It was exciting finally meet Dr. Legasto. I found her to be a witty conversationalist able to adjust to her audience. From her, I learned the term “alpha-male” to which I am happily a member of. Dr. Legasto appraised us on postcolonial theory. Dr. Doods Santos introduced to us ecocriticism. This blog for one is determined to include climate-change mitigation in its advocacies. Surely, to look at literature in particular, and the world in general using ecocriticism as critical lens will aid me in this intention.

How about my book? Pagsasatubuanan: Poetikang Bikolnon is a library book. I wrote it not to sell thousands of copies (not that NCCA printed thousands of copies). I wrote it for the very few elite poets who are really into the art of Bikol poetry. Lately, I learned that there are copies at Yale University Library and the National Library. I can’t ask for more.

How about love life? (Ehem). I am a lover by nature, an amador. The life of somebody like me is always full of romance. But I shall leave that to my would-be biographer to discuss. Maybe it’s too early for a valentines post. But guys remember this: Women deserve to be loved no matter if your exes ended up as queen bitches. So there. Happy New Year!

–Jose Jason L. Chancoco

Iriga City

 The recent tsunami, drought, flash floods and super-typhoons (plus a near-hit comet!) made this blog renew its vow to include climate change mitigation in its advocacy. After-all, every advocacy whether it be legal or cultural, leads to nature.

It must start with us. We must look at the lifestyles we live and the products we buy. Everything we do, everything we buy is a political choice. A vote between saying yes or no to climate-change mitigation.

We must also maintain a watchful eye if earth-friendly laws are being legislated and executed, or if those who violate them are being prosecuted in the court of justice. We must be reminded that the Supreme Court once ruled in the case of Oposa v. Factoran (July 30, 1993) that we are all proper parties to this legal cause. In fact we can even sue in behalf of generations yet unborn.

In said case, the Philippine Ecological Network, Inc. plus a group of minors, represented by their parents, filed a class suit against the then Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Fulgencio S. Factoran to cancel timber license agreements (TLA). The Plaintiffs asserted that we are losing our rainforests so fast, and hence they were suing in behalf of future generations. Factoran argued that the Plaintiffs had no cause of action and the suit was not justiciable because it is a political issue. The trial court ruled in favor of Factoran and dismissed the case. Determined to pursue their cause, the Plaintiffs filed a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court invoking Arts. 19-21 of the Civil Code of the Philippines (Human Relations), Sec. 4 of Executive Order 192 (DENR Charter) and Presidential Decree 1151 (Philippine Environmental Policy. They also invoked Sec. 16, Art. 2 of the 1987 Constitution on the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology. They also cried generational homicide and reiterated the natural law on the right to self-preservation.

The High Court through ponente Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. ruled that the Petitioners had cause of action because the suit was based on a fundamental legal right which is a justiciable issue. And also, Sec. 16, Art. 2 of the 1987 Constitution need not be unwritten because it is assumed to exist at the inception of humankind. The Court also invoked Title 14, Book 4 of the Administrative Code of 1987 which mandates the DENR to control utilization of natural resources, and Sec. 20 of the Forestry Reform Code (PD 705) which allows the President, for national interest, to amend, modify, replace and rescind any contract (including TLAs) as a police power measure. The Court further mused: “Petitioners minors assert that they represent their generation as well as generation yet unborn. We find no difficulty in ruling that they can, for themselves, for others of their generation, and for succeeding generations, to file a class suit. Their personality to sue on behalf of succeeding generation can only be based on the personality concept of intergenerational responsibility insofar as the right to a balanced and healthful ecology is concerned.”

Remember the case of Oposa v. Factoran. Remember the code: Oppose the Factory.

Truly, this concern is intersectoral. We cannot go on and pretend that we are not involved. As writers we must do more aside from writing. We must act. This is not to say that the writing process per se is not an act but rather, it is to say that writing is the first of many acts. After-all, poetry is actual life merely transmogrified into words on paper.

The WG group is thinking of an activity for the summer of 2012—a poetry hike and tree-planting here in Bicol. Writers and non-writers are welcome to walk the trek with us. Then we will be reading poetry to the seedlings after they are planted. We will be reading poetry to the trees. For surely you will agree, as one well-meaning poet once said: “I think I shall never see, a poem as lovely as a tree.”

Wait for more updates Bard-Brothers.

Last summer, we organized a fund-raising campaign for her. Wharf Galley was swarming with people: writers, friends, artists, civil society. Surely, Ms. Jo reminded us that art is a communal activity, and must be shared with the people.

So WG6 was also in a way, a tribute for her. We offered 20-second silence to pray for her eternal and restful repose. No longer she will suffer the pain of cancer.

It was a rainy night so we started a little late. But as always, we start with a blast. The Super Poet Genome Project did a rendition of Rivermaya’s “Ipoipo,” adding a poem somewhere in the song. The anthem song “Di Kami Papayag na Walang Makata sa Lipunan” followed suit. The band also played gig favorites “Uniberso” and “Seekin the Cause.” Kevin de Quiroz was the host for the night. The readers were: Ronel Astor, Jerome M. Hipolito, Jan Kevin de Quiroz, Jay Salvosa, Jusan Misolas, John Michael Bazcoguin and Jose Jason L. Chancoco. Theater dance group Fire n Ice as led by Dr. Tess Consulta-Francisco proved once more that poetry is also dance, as their moves complemented the poetic energy sent floating in the air by the previous readers.After the show, literary discussions over rounds of beer ensued. The pivotal issue was: Why do you write in the first place? In trying to answer this question, we looked into the works presented by the attendees for constructive critiquing. Inputs on imagery, poetic tension and voice came out, as well as warnings against pulpit poetics.

Remembering Ms. Jo Bisuna, we concluded that writing is a life-long passion and must not be clouded by over-emphasis on things that could be superficial, like literary awards. Literary arts must be shared with the community, as the people is the sanctuary of every writer. And as we go on to pursue various professions and disciplines, the pen must never be forgotten.

Saligan-Bikol is an NGO concerned with labor, women and other marginalized groups. Their approach is alternative lawyering, a way to bring the machineries of justice closer to the people. They speak the language of the people, immerse with the cause of the people. The lawyers are not confined to law officers and courts. As a writer and student of law, this will sure bring me to places where I should be.

The theme for this year’s Sural Essay Writing Contest is youth and peace or how could the youth contribute in espousing a culture of peace in the Bicol region and the country. It is worth noting that the young Bikolnons have a lot to say in the middle of political bickerings and government neglect. In all aspect of cultural and intellectual formation, the youth sector is right in the middle. The contest was a way for them to express their views, winners or not.

The seventh installment of WritersGig at WharfGalley is againt forthcoming! See you on November 5 at 7PM. Let us read our poems, enjoy music and other performances. The Super Poet Genome Project will again play. I also expect dancers and actors. Books will be sold also. We have Pagsasatubuanan and Sagurong as part of our booksale. Come join us next Saturday. It sure will be fun!

Meanwhile, my busy self must have dimmed my radar for I missed one great event, the 1st Annual Bicol Bloggy Awards. Great news is this: Hagbayon won the citation for Best Literature Blog for 2011.

The nominees for the Professional Category are:

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY NOMINEES:

Best Photoblog
1. Byahero Snapshots – http://www.byaherosnapshots.com/
2. Chris Aquino – Raving Mad – http://aquinochris.blogspot.com/
3. Roxx Luzada – She Roxx Photos – http://www.roxxluzada.blogspot.com/

Best Hobby & Recreation Blog
1. Goldimyrr Repolles – Musings of the Midnight Writer – http://goldimyrr.repolles.com/
2. Chris Aquino – Raving Mad – http://aquinochris.blogspot.com/
3. Frederick Maurice S. Lim – Cinemalibog – http://frederickmauricelim.com/
4. Kerby Rosanes – [Sketch Pad] – http://www.kerbyrosanes.tumblr.com/
5. Irvin Sto. Tomas – CamSur Bum, Running – http://www.camsurbumrunning.blogspot.com/
6. Rhyz Peralta – This Side of the Game – http://rhyeza.blogspot.com/
7. Apple Brillantes – Eat All You Can – http://www.eatallyoucan.info/
8. Missy Penaverde – http://www.tamanggala.com/

Best Sports Blog
1. Irvin Sto. Tomas- CamSur Bum, Running – http://www.camsurbumrunning.blogspot.com/
2. Halley anne – built from scratch – http://jaggedcore.blogspot.com/

Best Travel Blog
1. Byahero Snapshots – http://www.byaherosnapshots.com/
2. Dex Baldon – Wow Legazpi – http://wowlegazpi.com/
3. Claire Raborar – Lakwatsera de Primera – http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/
4. Mat Corral – Bikolandia – http://3ikolandia.blogspot.com/
5. Missy Penaverde – http://www.tamanggala.com/

Best Personal Blog
1. Claire Raborar – Lakwatsera de Primera – http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/
2. Peachy Galias – Atomic Girl – http://atomicgirl.net/
3. Chris Aquino – Raving Mad – http://aquinochris.blogspot.com/
4. Jdejesus Cabrera – In A Bucket – http://inabucket.wordpress.com/
5. Ron Sarte Banzagales – DisKorner: Love Ko ‘To – http://www.diskorner.blogspot.com/
6. Maria Kristina Tormes Abiog – Speckles n Spectrum – http://kristinabiog.blogspot.com/
7. Damn-Me More – Point and Shoot – http://demimarieborja.blog.com/
8. Rhyz Peralta – In My SiLenT LuCidiTy – http://www.thissilence.blogspot.com/
9. Peachy Brillantes -The Brown Beauty – http://thebrownbeauty.blogspot.com/
10. Jefrey Apuli – Life: You Can Never Define It – http://jefreyapuli.blogspot.com/
11. Cyrel Nicolas – My Online Journal – http://www.cyrelnicolas.blogspot.com/
12. Aileen Asuki – The Unbearable Lightness of Being – http://asukiwillgoplaces.tumblr.com/
13. Risha Amaranto Porras – Risha – http://rishaporras.multiply.com/
14. Missy Penaverde – http://www.tamanggala.com/

Best Culture and Arts Blog
1. Goldimyrr Repolles – Musings of the Midnight Writer – http://goldimyrr.repolles.com/
2. Dex Baldon – Wow Legazpi – http://wowlegazpi.com/
3. Claire Raborar – Lakwatsera de Primera – http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/
4. Jason Chancoco – Hagbayon – http://www.hagbayon.wordpress.com/
5. Frederick Maurice S. Lim – Cinemalibog – http://frederickmauricelim.com/
6. Mat Corral – Bikolandia – http://3ikolandia.blogspot.com/
7. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Suralista – http://jimplejimple.blogspot.com/
8. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Satong Kakanon sa Aro-aldaw http://www.satongkakanon.blogspot.com/
9. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Karangahan – http://www.karangahanonline.blogspot.com/
10. Kerby Rosanes – [Sketch Pad] – http://www.kerbyrosanes.tumblr.com/
11. Gibbz Cadiz – Gibbs Cadiz – http://gibbscadiz.blogspot.com/

Best Entertainment Blog
1. Frederick Maurice S. Lim – Cinemalibog – http://frederickmauricelim.com/
2. Gibbz Cadiz – Gibbs Cadiz – http://gibbscadiz.blogspot.com/

Best News & Media Blog
1. Dex Baldon – Wow Legazpi – http://wowlegazpi.com/
2. Jdejesus Cabrera – In A Bucket – http://inabucket.wordpress.com/
3. Jay J.a. Carizo – Bik-Lish – http://www.biklish.wordpress.com/

Best Food & Beverage Blog
1. Byahero Snapshots – http://www.byaherosnapshots.com/
2. Chris Aquino – Raving Mad – http://aquinochris.blogspot.com/
3. Apple Brillantes – Eat All You Can – http://www.eatallyoucan.info/

Best Fashion Blog
1. Jdejesus Cabrera – My Orange Pulp – http://myorangepulp.wordpress.com/
2. Rhyz Peralta – Pretty, Cute and Outrageous – http://rhyzbloggin.blogspot.com/
3. Twinkle Salgado – Twinkoolet – http://www.twinkoolet.blogspot.com/
4. Apple Brillantes – Wonderfully FAB – http://www.wonderfullyfab.com/

Best Beauty Blog
1. An Dre Ahh – Bee’s Kyoote Blog. – http://beekyoote.blogspot.com/
2. Jdejesus Cabrera – My Orange Pulp – http://myorangepulp.wordpress.com/
3. Rhyz Peralta – Pretty, Cute and Outrageous – http://rhyzbloggin.blogspot.com/
4. Twinkle Salgado – Twinkoolet – http://www.twinkoolet.blogspot.com/
5. Apple Brillantes – Wonderfully FAB – http://www.wonderfullyfab.com/

Best Technology Blog
1. Marvin Ryan Vista – Batch Processed – http://batchprocessed.blogspot.com/

Best Commentary Blog
1. Jdejesus Cabrera – In A Bucket – http://inabucket.wordpress.com/
2. Jay J.a. Carizo – Bik-Lish – http://www.biklish.wordpress.com/

Best Advocacy Blog
1. Goldimyrr Repolles – Musings of the Midnight Writer – http://goldimyrr.repolles.com/
2. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Kun Bikolano Ka, MagBikol Ka – http://www.kunbikolanokamagbikolka.blogspot.com/

Best Literature Blog
1. Goldimyrr Repolles – Musings of the Midnight Writer – http://goldimyrr.repolles.com/
2. Jason Chancoco – Hagbayon – http://www.hagbayon.wordpress.com/
3. Frederick Maurice S. Lim – Cinemalibog – http://frederickmauricelim.com/
4. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Suralista – http://jimplejimple.blogspot.com/
5. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Satong Kakanon sa Aro-aldaw http://www.satongkakanon.blogspot.com/
6. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Karangahan – http://www.karangahanonline.blogspot.com/
7. Gibbz Cadiz – Gibbs Cadiz – http://gibbscadiz.blogspot.com/

Best Humor Blog
1. Jdejesus Cabrera – In A Bucket – http://inabucket.wordpress.com/

Best Blog Design
1. Dex Baldon – Wow Legazpi – http://wowlegazpi.com/
2. Claire Raborar – Lakwatsera de Primera – http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/
3. Mat Corral – Bikolandia – http://3ikolandia.blogspot.com/
4. Maria Kristina Tormes Abiog – Speckles n Spectrum – http://kristinabiog.blogspot.com/
5. Rhyz Peralta – Pretty, Cute and Outrageous – http://rhyzbloggin.blogspot.com/
6. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Karangahan – http://www.karangahanonline.blogspot.com/
7. Kerby Rosanes – [Sketch Pad] – http://www.kerbyrosanes.tumblr.com/

Best Filipino Blog Abroad
1. Claire Raborar – Lakwatsera de Primera – http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/
2. Roxx Luzada – She Roxx Photos – http://www.roxxluzada.blogspot.com/

Best Filipiniana Blog
1. Goldimyrr Repolles – Musings of the Midnight Writer – http://goldimyrr.repolles.com/
2. Dex Baldon – Wow Legazpi – http://wowlegazpi.com/
3. Frederick Maurice S. Lim – Cinemalibog – http://frederickmauricelim.com/
4. Mat Corral – Bikolandia – http://3ikolandia.blogspot.com/
5. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Suralista – http://jimplejimple.blogspot.com/
6. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Satong Kakanon sa Aro-aldaw http://www.satongkakanon.blogspot.com/
7. Jimple Uy Borlagdan – Karangahan – http://www.karangahanonline.blogspot.com/

And the winners are:

Blog of the Year:  Jdejesus Cabrera – “In A Bucket” – http://inabucket.wordpress.com

Blogger’s Choice : Goldimyrr Repolles – “Musings of the Midnight Writer” - http://goldimyrr.repolles.com/

Best Blog Design: Claire Raborar – “Lakwatsera de Primera” - http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/

Best Personal Blog: Maria Kristina Tormes Abiog – “Speckles n Spectrum” –  http://kristinabiog.blogspot.com/

Best Photoblog: Roxx Luzada – “She Roxx Photos” – http://www.roxxluzada.blogspot.com

Best Filipino Blog Abroad: Claire Raborar – “Lakwatsera de Primera” - http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/

Best Filipiniana Blog: Goldimyrr Repolles – “Musings of the Midnight Writer” - http://goldimyrr.repolles.com/

Best Hobby & Recreation Blog: Kerby Rosanes – “[Sketch Pad]” – http://www.kerbyrosanes.tumblr.com; Sherwin Magayanes – “Byahero Snapshots” – http://www.byaherosnapshots.com/ (tie)

Best Sports Blog: Halley anne – “built from scratch” – http://jaggedcore.blogspot.com/

Best Travel Blog: Claire Raborar -”Lakwatsera de Primera” - http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/

Best Culture and Arts Blog: Gibbz Cadiz – “Gibbs Cadiz” – http://gibbscadiz.blogspot.com/

Best Entertainment Blog: Gibbz Cadiz – “Gibbs Cadiz” – http://gibbscadiz.blogspot.com/

Best News & Media Blog:  Dex Baldon – “Wow Legazpi” - http://wowlegazpi.com/

Best Food & Beverage Blog: Chris Aquino – “Raving Mad” – http://chrisaquino.blogspot.com/

Best Fashion Blog: Rhyz Peralta – “Pretty, Cute and Outrageous” - http://rhyzbloggin.blogspot.com/

Best Beauty Blog: An Dre Ahh – “Bee’s Kyoote Blog”. - http://beekyoote.blogspot.com/

Best Technology Blog: Marvin Ryan Vista – “Batch Processed” - http://batchprocessed.blogspot.com/

Best Commentary Blog:  Jdejesus Cabrera – “In A Bucket” – http://inabucket.wordpress.com

Best Advocacy Blog: Goldimyrr Repolles – “Musings of the Midnight Writer” - http://goldimyrr.repolles.com/

Best Literature Blog: Jason Chancoco – “Hagbayon” – http://www.hagbayon.wordpress.com/

Best Humor Blog: Jdejesus Cabrera – “In A Bucket” – http://inabucket.wordpress.com
There you go. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Let’s blog as we please.

If you are there and you want to read about Bikol poetics, just look for my book. It might help.

Enjoy the poems. I enjoyed writing them. At the end of the day, it’s just between you and the voice of the poem.